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JOURNAL 



OF A 



MISSIONARY TOUR 

IN 1808 

Rochester Reprints 
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Snrti^Ht^r S^printa 



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Edition limited to 
two hundred copies 
of which this is 



No. 






The Genesee Press 
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J 



O U R N A L 

OF A 

MISSIONARY TOUR 

IN 1808 

THROUGH THE NEW SETTLE- 
MENTS OF NORTHERN NEW 
HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT 



FROM THE ORIGINAL M ji N U S C R I P T OF 

REV. JACOB CRAM, A.M. 



ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 
1909 



lS:bOrr^ 



PREFACE 

THIS little Journal served the purpose of its author 
when submitted, in 1809, as a report to his em- 
ployers — the Massachusetts Missionary Society. 
Since then, it has been laid away for a century, a 
forgotten bit of manuscript, until with the passing of 
time, it seems to have become invested with an adven- 
titious general interest, with which, when written, it was 
endowed by neither the subje6l, nor the style, of the story. 
The narrative has now acquired that indefinable value 
which attaches to the "human document," and it makes 
more real our ideas of the daily life and hardships of many 
of the ministers who wandered about as missionaries, in 
the early settlements of New England. It throws some 
light, moreover, on the subject of the standard of culture 
in such new communities at that time; and by accident, 
rather than by design, the writer recorded an occasional 
fadl useful to the student of local histoty. While its value 
as an original source of such history must needs be slight, 
so far as it goes, it is trustworthy. 

The author, Jacob Cram, A. M., son of Col. Jonathan 
Cram, was born at Hampton Falls, Rockingham Co., N. H., 
October 12, 1762, and he died at Exeter, N. H., Decem- 
ber 21, 1833, aged 71. He was a graduate of Dartmouth 
College, of the class of 1782. But little concerning him 
is known. From February 25, 1789, to January 6, 1792, 
he was pastor of the Congregational church at Hopkinton, 
N. H. (organized November 23, 1757). Before his final 
removal from Hollis to Exeter, he served as a missionary 

[7] 



to the Stockbridge Indians in Massachusetts, and to other 
Indians in the State of New York. At about the time this 
Journal was written he preached occasionally at Sandwich, 
N. H. At Exeter he married, September 13, 1804, Mary 
Poor. She was the daughter of Gen. Enoch Poor, the 
Revolutionary officer and the friend of Washington and 
Lafayette, who commanded the New Hampshire brigade 
in Sullivan's expedition against the Six Nations. 

The manuscript, never before published, stitched into pam- 
phlet form, bears the endorsement of the well known author 
of historical works, the late Dr. Ebenezer Alden,as follows: 

Rev. Jacob Cram, gr. at Dart. College in 1782 ; was settled 
in Hollis, N. H. Was a friend of Rev. Jonathan Strong (Dart. 
Coll. 1786) among whose papers this Journal was found and came 
thence into my hands, and is preserved as a valuable relic. 

Eben'r. Alden. 

Randolph, Mass. 

In the transcription of the manuscript no correilion or 
rearrangement has been made, other than the addition of 
the proper date to each Sunday. If something requisite 
to the completeness of our author's scholarship seems lack- 
ing, it may be remembered that his alma mater made at 
least partial compensation for these deficiencies in his 
learning, by the volume of her contributions of other 
alumni to the New Hampshire ministry — for no less than 
forty clergymen, settled before 1800, were graduates of 
Dartmouth College, founded in 1769. 

But a sufficient answer to much that might be offered in 
criticism, may be found in this very Journal itself, where 
it appears that the accomplishment of this missionary's 
benevolent purpose lay quite as much in his physical en- 
durance, woodcraft and horsemanship as in his erudition. 

w. R. 

[8] 



To the Massachusetts Missionary Society, a 
concise account of twenty-six weeks mission, 
in the Northern part of the state of New- 
Hampshire : with respedt, your's &c. 

June IJth, 1808. 

Having had an appointment for six months mis- 
sion from the above society :' I commenced my 
mission by following my diredions into the northern 
part of the state where I was directed. The first 
town on the missionary ground, at which I made 
any stop, was a town by the name of Eaten, this 
town was in the county of Strafford, about one hun- 
dred miles from Hollis, at which I arived on the 
third day after leaving home. 

Here the people are devided in sentiment, a 
part Calvenistic Baptist, and a part Freewill Baptist, 
and they have a Minnister of each order, and hold 
separate meetings every sabbath. 

Friday. I visited seven families, and preached one 
ledlor. 

Saturday^ was prevent from going abroad by reason 
of rain until ledor time, which attended according 
to appointment. 



( I ) At this time there had been established in New England for some years, 
eleven societies for the promotion of missionary labors in the infant settlements of 
the interior} of these organizations, seven were in Massachusetts. 

[9] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR 

Sabbathday [June 19]. This day after preaching 
rode ten miles and visited one family. 

Monday^ rode to Bartlet ten miles, visited two fam- 
ilies, and heard a Methodist Minnister preach, at 
which meeting I had an oppertunity to make an 
appointment for myself. 

Tuesday^ I visited ten families and preached one 
led:or. In this place the people were very atten- 
tive to meeting, But much divided in sentiment. 

Wednesday. Rode to Bethlehem about thirty-two 
miles. This town is in the county of Grafton, 
and southwest from the Notch of the white hills 
so called. It is sixteen years sence they began 
to settle this town, and there are about eighty 
families in the place, there are two churches 
here, one of the congregational order, and an- 
other of the Baptist order. 

'Thursday. I preached a ledior in the fournoon, 
and after visiting one family I rode in the worst 
of riding, to Whitefield seven miles. In this 
town are but seven families, and none of these 
are professors of religion. Notwithstanding they 
are very attentive to meeting, and very desirious 
to have missionaries call on them. 

Friday, I visited six families, and preached one 
ledior, after which rode to Bethlehem. 
[10] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR 

Saturday. I rode to Frankcony, five miles preached 
one leftor, and after visiting one family returned 
to Bethlehem. 

Sabbathday [June 26]. I preached two sermons, 
and visited one family. 

Monday. I rode to Littleton, a town on Conne6ti- 
cutt river, about eleven miles. Here there are 
two churches, the one a congregational, and the 
other a Baptist. They are so divided that it is 
not likely now that they will ever have a regular 
settled minister with them. Here I preached a 
ledtor, and made one visit. 

'Tuesday^ I rode to Concord in Vermont which 
was about six miles. Here there is a small 
church ; about three years sence if I mistake 
not, they had quite a revival of religion among 
them, and stil retain some of its good effefts. 
This day I visited two families. 

Wednesday. After preaching one ledlor, I rode to 
Bethlehem, which was about thirteen miles, 

'Thursday, I visited three families. 

Friday, I visited six families more, it was not con- 
venient to preach on either of these days. This 
is to the first day of July, here I left your im- 
ployment until the nineteenth of the same. 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR 

Tuesday the nineteenth of July. I rode fourteen 
miles, and visited two families. 

Wednesday^ I rode to Dalton three miles, visited 
three families, and preached a ledlor. After 
which rode sixteen miles. They are new be- 
ginners in this place. There are a few Baptist 
professors and two or three of the congregational 
order. 

'Thursday, I rode to Jefferson five miles, and visited 
four families also preached one led:or. In this 
town there is a part of a baptist church, and also 
some members of the congregational order, the 
baptist in this town appear to be pleased with 
missionary labours, and are very attentive to the 
preaching of the word. No special revival here. 

Friday, I rode to Bartlit twenty nine miles, and vis- 
ited one family. 

Saturday, within one mile and a half, I visited seven 
families. 

Sahbathday [July 24], I preached to a very full 
meeting for this place, three sermons. 

Monday. After conversing until late in the morn- 
ing with the family where I put up, I rode to 
Tamworth which was about twenty four miles, 
on my way I made three family visits. 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR 

I'uesday, it being a very rainey day I rode but four- 
teen miles and made two family visits. This was 
the twentysix of July, and from this to the 
twentyninth of August I was a candidating, or 
visiting my family. 

Monday August twentyninth. I rode to Dalton 
about twenty miles, and visited three families. 
But was prevented preaching by reason of a 
townmeeting. 

'Tuesday^ I preached one sermon, and visited two 
families ; after which rode to Gildhall, which was 
twelve miles. 

Wednesday, I attended the installation of the Rev. 
Mr. Burge,^ who was installed at Gildhall the 
last day of August, and after which installation I 
rode seven miles. 

"Thursday, September the first, I rode four miles, and 
preached one led:or and also visited one family. 

Friday, after visiting two families in this place (Dal- 
ton) I rode to Lyman eighteen miles. 

Saturday, I visited two families, and attended one 
conference, in which I discovered a good degree 
of seriousness, among the hearers. 

(2) Caleb Burge, the author of a work on the Atonement. He was dis- 
missed from this church in March, 18 14, (^Gazeteer of the State of Vermont, Za- 
dock Thompson, 1824, p. 138. The 1842 edition gives a wrong date for this 
installation ceremony at Guildhall.) He had preached a year, 1806, at Wash- 
ington, Sullivan Co. {^Neiv Hampshire Churches, R. F. Lawrence, 1856, p. 476.) 

[^3] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

Sabbathday [Sept. 4]. I preached three sermons 
to a very large collecfbion of people for this place, 
and I can truly say that I have not discovered so 
much seriousness in any place, that I have vis- 
ited as there appears to be here. There appears 
to be a work of grace indeed, and one evidence 
that this is the case is, that old christian people 
are much ingaged in, and annimated with, this 
work. Several new converts sence last spring 
have joined themselves to a neighboring church. 
Thus a spiritual rain fall on one town and not on 
another. " The Lord reigneth let the earth re- 
joice, let the multitude isles be glad thereof. 

Monday^ I visited two families after which I rode to 
Concord in Vermont, ten miles, here I visited 
some pious people as I hope and trust, and 
preached a le6lor. 

Tuesday. This day I had two ledors appointed, 
but was prevented preaching but one, by reason 
of rain, I rode two miles and visited two 
families. 

Wednesday^ I rode to Littleton which was five miles, 
and preached a ledior, after which rode to Ly- 
man, five miles, (this is the town which I have 
mentioned above) here I preach the second ledior 
this day, and also I made two family visits. 

[H] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

'Thursday^ I rode to the west side of Lyman six 
miles preached a leftor and visited two families. 
In this part of the town they are principly 
Methodists. 

Friday^ I returned to the east side of the town, and 
preached a le6lor in the fournoon, after leftor I 
spent some time in conversing with my hearers 
upon the most important things of the gospel, 
and the necessity of imbracing of them in order 
that they might be eternilly happy in glorifying 
God. and after takeing an affed;ionate farewell of 
them, I rode to Littleton five miles and preached 
a leftor, and where I saw some seriousness among 
my hearers and also visited three families. 

Saturday^ I rode to Dalton ten miles, and visited two 
families. 

Sabbathday^ [Sept. ii] I preached to people of va- 
rious sentiments and feallings, and while some 
were disturbed, others it appeared were pleased. 

Monday^ I rode to Granby' in Vermont, twelve 
miles, The way in part being filled up, by a hur- 
ricane in June last, it was with much difficulty 

(3) "A considerable settlement had been formed in Granby, previously to 
the year 1 800, and the numbers continued to increase with considerable rapidity 
till after the year 18 10. But when the cold seasons commenced the people began 
to abandon their settlements, and continued to leave the town till 18 16, when 
there were only three families left, and the town lost its organization." (Thomp- 
son, /. c. ) It was re-organized in December, 1821. 

[15] 



J O U R N J L OF MISSIONART TOUR 

that I got through the woods, yea, such was my 
situation for a short time that there were scase 
any hope, but that I should be abhged to take 
up my lodging for the night in the woods, But 
as providence would have it, I got through just 
before dark. This day visited two families. 

'Tuesday^ I preached in the afternoon and evening. 
In this town there are about thirty or forty fami- 
lies, and some of them have been in the place 
twenty years, or more, and that, without any saw- 
mil or gristmill, or blacksmith, and for their grind- 
ing, sawing, and Blacksmithing, they have been 
abliged to go nine miles and one half and in this 
way some of them, have, almost brought up large 
families. There is no church in the place, and 
but few professors, they appeared very desireous 
for missionary aid. 

Wednesday^ I rode two miles and one half, and 
preached a ledor in the fournoon, in the after- 
noon rode to Jefferson, which was twenty miles, 
when I arrived, the people where I called was all 
in bead. But notwithstanding was kindly re- 
ceived by them. 

Thursdayy I spent the fournoon with the above fam- 
ily, and in the afternoon, preached a leftor, and 
spent the remainder of the day with this family. 
In this place the professors of religion are princi- 
[i6] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

ply Baptists, and are much pleased with mission- 
ary labours. 

Friday, I visited three families in two of which there 
were sickness. After which, preached a ledtor. 

Saturday, I rode to Gillhall which was twelve miles, 
and visited three families. 

Sabbathday [Sept. i8]. This day, The Rev. Mr. 
Burge being absent and it being the best place to 
convean Gilldhall, Maidston, and Northumber- 
land, I preached at the Court-house in the upper 
part of Gilldhall three sermons. 

Monday, I rode to Northumberland Meetinghouse 
and preached a ledlor, and visit three families. 

'Tuesday, I Rode to Maidston (Vermont) three miles, 
and preached in the afternoon, and visited two 
families. There is no church in this town, nor in 
Northumberland and but a few church members. 

Wednesday, I rode to Brunswick six miles, and 
preached in the afternoon and also visited two 
families. There is no church in this town and 
but a few church members. 

Thursday, I rode seven miles further in this town, 
and preached one leftor, and visited two families. 

Friday, I rode to Stratford in N. H. three miles, and 

preached one sermon, and also visited two families. 

Saturday. After visiting a sick man in the morning, 

[17] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

I crossed the river into Brunswick, about one mile, 
made one visit, and preached an evening ledlor. 

Sabbathday [Sept. 25], I preached two sermons, it 
being a very rainey day I had but a small num- 
ber of hearers to the meeting. 

Monday. I this morning rode four miles, and 
preached a ledlor, in the afternoon I swome my 
horse through Connefticut river to Stratford, 
made two visits and preached an evening le6lor. 

'Tuesday^ I rode to Cockburn'* six miles, the way was 
very muddy and bad this was on the twenty 
seventh day of September. There were several 
snow squalls during the day, and the tops of the 
large mountains were white with snow. I this day 
visited two families and preached in the evening. 

Wednesday^ I rode five miles further in this town, 
and preached two ledlors, and also visited two 
families. In this town, Colbrook,' Lemington, 

(4) This place was granted December I, 1770, and named in honor of Sir 
James Cockburne of London, a grantee. Incorporated December 16, 1797. The 
present name Columbia was adopted June 19, 181 1. 

(5) An effort had been made to organize a church in this vicinity in 1802. 
The town of Colebrook offered a minister a salary of 200 bushels of wheat— to 
be paid on the first of January, $100 in money — at the end of the yi ar, and 30 
cords of wood — presumably almost any time ; but this munificence was contingent 
upon the co-operation of the towns of Cockburne — now Columbia, Stewarts- 
town, Canaan, Lemington, and Minehead — now Bloomfield, Vt. The mem- 
bers of this church, when it was finally organized, were to be found scattered up 
and down the Connecticut valley from Stratford to Canada, a distance of nearly 
forty miles. To those qualities which Dwight specified as necessary for the suc- 
cess of the New England minister — the wisdom of the serpent and the harmless- 
ness of the dove — the fortunate pastor of this church must have added no little 
physical endurance. 

[.8] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

Stuart, and Canaan there is a small church of the 
congregational order, somewhere from twelve to 
twenty members. 

Thursday^ I crossed conne(5ticut river to Lemington, 
(Vermont) and visited two families, But by the 
people not getting a previous information which 
was expeded that they had from me, I did not 
preach. 

Friday, I rode five miles, preached one ledlor and 
visited two families. 

Saturday, I went to Cockburn two miles, visited 
three families, and preached an evening ledlor. 

Sabhathday [Oct. 2], I went one mile and preached 
to a very full meeting. 

Monday, I rode to Minehead six miles, preached one 
sermon, and visited two families. 

'Tuesday, I rode back to Cockburn about four miles, 
preached a lector, and visited three families. 

Wednesday, I rode to Colbrook eight miles, and 
preach a le6lor in the afternoon and another in 
the evening. 

Thursday, I went east of this town fifteen miles, to 
the town of Errol, which lays east of the north 
notch of the white hills, it is in the upper county 
of this state, there are seven families in this town, 

[^9] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR 

and not a professor of religion among them. I 
went into the town in the afternoon, and preached 
the same afternoon, and evening, and appointed 
a meeting for the next morning. 

Friday. This morning, after holding a meeting two 
hour long, in which my hears were very atten- 
tive, and some of them much affected, and after 
which they insisted, that, if ever I should come 
into them reagons I must call upon them and also 
wished me to inform other Missionaries if any I 
should see of their needy state and invite them to 
make them a visit. I took my leave of them and 
rode back to colebrook fifteen miles, and visited 
one family, also preached in the evening. 

Saturday, I rode to Canaan in Vermont fourteen 
miles and visited two families. 

Sabbathday. [Oct. 9], I preached two sermons. 

Monday, I rode into the province of canady, and vis- 
ited two families But was prevented preaching by 
a previous appointment of a Methodist which 
was to be the same time that my appointment 
was made. 

'Tuesday, I rode to stuart, which was three miles, 
visited one family, and preached in the evening. 
But much indisposed by a grievous headake. 

Wednesday, I visited two families. But was very feeble 
in consequence of my indisposition the day before. 

[20] 



7 O U R N J L OF MISSIONARY TOUR 



1'hursday. I rode into the provence of Canady 
three miles, visited one family and preached in 
the afternoon and evening. 

Friday, I rode two miles further into the provence, 
and preached a ledor and after ledor, spent some 
time with my hearers upon those important 
things of eternity, and the nessity of being pre- 
paired for the same — and visited one family. 
These people were all from different parts of the 
states, and are much pleased with Missionary in- 
structions, and all the missionary that go into 
these parts call upon them. 

Saturday, I rode to Colebrook twelve miles and vis- 
ited two families. 

Sabbathday [Oct i6], I preached to a large collec- 
tion of people for this country. 

Monday. This day being very rainey I was pre- 
vented from going abroad. 

Tuesday, I rode to stuart six miles, and visited four 
families. 

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I visited 
and attended ledors with the Rev. Mr. Souther- 
land^ of Bath, who was on a mission at this time. 



(6) Affectionately known to a past and forgotten generation of New Hamp- 
shire clergymen as "Father David Sutherland." He was a Scotchman, and the 
pastor in Bath from 1805 till 1844, dying July 25, 1855. 

[21] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR 

Sabbat hday [Oct. 23], I had this day a very full, 
and attentive meeting. 

Monday, I rode three miles, visited two families, and 
preach in the evening. 

Tuesday, I rode three miles preached one sermon 
and visited two families. 

Wednesday, I visited three families. 

'Thursday, Friday, and satterday I visited from house 
to house, eleven families. It was not convenant 
to preach on these days. 

Sabbathday [Oct. 30]. I preached as usually, 
and nothing special from common took place 
in meetings. 

Monday, I rode to Lemington two miles, preached 
a ledlor, and visited three families. 

Tuesday, I rode five miles, visited three families, and 
preached an evening ledor, a full meeting for the 
place, this was in the lower part of Cockburn. 

Wednesday, I rode to Stratford seven miles, visited 
two families, and preached in the evening. 

Thursday, I rode five miles, visited two families, and 
preached in the evening. 

Friday, 1 visited two families and preached in the 
evening. 

[22] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

Saturday. I rode one mile and visited two families, 
in one of these families there was something asid 
from what is common, two old persons were there, 
the one ninety five, and the other from what could 
be gathered over one hundred years, they were 
both blind and had been so for many years, one 
of these women made a profession when young, 
and the other about four years sence. 

Sabbathday [Nov. 6J. I had this day a very large 
collediion of people to meeting, for the place, and 
a very canded attention paid, and some appeared 
very much stured up, and affeded. 

Monday^ I rode four miles, preached one ledior, and 
visited two families. 

'J'uesday^ I rode ten miles, preached one sermon, and 
visited two families. 

Wednesday^ I rode six miles, preached two sermons, 
and visited two families. 

1'hursday^ I rode two miles, preached once, and vis- 
ited two families. 

Friday. I this day rode to Northumberland, which 
was five miles, made three visits in families, and 
preached in the evening. 

Saturday, I rode fifteen miles and visited three fam- 
ilies. 

[^3] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

Sahbathday [Nov. 13]. I supplyed the people with 
preaching at Northumberland by way of an ex- 
change. 

Monday^ I rode to Littleton eleven miles, visited 
three families, and preached in the evening. In 
a number of the above town, about four years 
sence, a great many of the people were Method- 
ists, but now, here and there one that can be said 
to imbrace such sentements. Notwithstand they 
have left, that is the Methodists, a very unfavor- 
able impression upon the minds of many, with 
regard to the distinguishing dod:rines of grace. 

Tuesday^ I rode to Bethlehem ten miles and visited 
three families. 

Wednesday^ I this day by desire attended to a plan 
for a meetinghouse in this place and, after some 
consultation upon the subject I under took to 
make a draft for the same. 

T'hursday seventeenth of November being thanksgiv- 
ing day, I attended to its usual solemnities. 

Friday. This was the day by previous appointment 
for selling their pew ground. After digesting in 
their minds as far as they could my plan, they 
chose it in preference to one which they before 
had obtained. This rendered it necessary for me 
to finish my proposed plan, and so the Saturday 
and monday was taken up in attending to it. 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR 

Sabbathday [Nov. 20], attended to its usual sol- 
emnities. 

Tuesday^ I this day visited five families. 

Wednesday^ I this day visited five families, and fin- 
ished my plan for the house. 

'Thursday^ after a good deal of conversation with some 
of them, concerning an unhappy division which 
took place among them, about the spot where the 
house should stand, I took my leave of them, 
and rode five miles, also visited one family. 

Friday. I this day rod thirteen miles, to a town 
called Peeling, through the south notch of the 
white hills, and a very bad way I had. It was 
work enough for one day.'^ 

Saturday. I rode seven miles and visited three fam- 
ilies. 

Sabbathday [Nov. 27], after meeting I rode three 
miles. 

Monday. I preached one leftor, and visited one 
family. 



(7) Dr. Timothy Dwight, of Yale College, who rode repeatedly through 
this part of New England at about this time, describes in several places the diffi- 
culties of bridge-building and road-making in this wilderness ( Tra-veh in Netu 
England, etc.). "The mire was often so stiff, and so deep, that our horses 
scarcely struggled through it." Elsewhere the denuded rock afforded no foothold, 
and horses were said to travel long distances without resting a foot on the "earth." 
Yet many of the early roads were built not to the market but to the meeting- 
house. (Lawrence, /. c. ) 

[-5] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR 

After visiting my family on December twenty 
fourth, I resumed my missionary labours, and 
rode fourteen miles, visited three families and 
preached in the evening. This was in the town 
of Merideth, the east side of Marimack river. 

Sabbathday [Dec. 25], I rode four miles, and 
preached three sermons.^ 

Monday^ I rode eight miles, visited three families, 
and preached in the evening. They have no 
settled minister in this place of the congrega- 
tional orde and are very much divided. 

"Tuesdayy I rode to a town called Center harber, at 
the North end Winnoposockey pond or lake. 
This day visited three families and preached in 
the evening. 

Wednesday^ I rode one mile, preached one ledlor, 

and visited four families. 
T'hursday, I rode eighteen miles to a town called 

Toughtonborough and visited four families. 
Friday^ I rode two miles, preached one sermon, and 

visited one family. 
Saturday, I rode five miles, visited one family, and 

preached in the evening. 

( 8 ) This day was Christmas, and it is interesting to notice that with consist- 
ent puritanical contempt for "the arrant whore of Rome" no mention is made 
of the holiday. In the larger towns, and in the cities, the day was being ob- 
served at this time. 

[26] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR 

Sabbathday [Jan. i, 1809]. This morning I vis- 
ited one family, rode three miles, preached three 
sermons, and converced with some, who appeared 
to be very serious. In this place there is a cal- 
venistick Congregational church, and there are 
some appearances of a refermation among them. 

Monday^ I rode to Wolfborough, four miles, preached 
one ledior and visited two families. 

'Tuesday^ I rode to the north part of Wolfborough 
eight miles, visited three families and preached in 
the evening. In this part of the town the people 
are very attentive to meeting. 

Wednesday^ I rode eleven miles, and on my way, 
preach one ledior, and also visited four families. 

Thursday, I rode four miles preached two sermons, 
and visited three families. This was in the town 
of Touftonborough. 

Friday, I rode four miles, visited four families, and 
preached in the evening. A very stuped place this 

Saturday, I rode to the north side of Wolfborough, 
eight miles, visited three families and preached in 
the evening. The people here are very attentive 
to meeting. 

Sabbathday [Jan. 8]. I rode one mile and preached 
two sermons, the people came to meeting from 

[-7] 



JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

various quarters, and very attentive. After meet- 
ing I rode three miles, visited three families, and 
preached in the evening. This lector was in the 
town of ossipee. 

Monday, 1 rode to the east side of Wolfboro which 
was seven miles, visited three families and preached 
in the evening. In this place Methodism is in 
its full bloom. 

'Tuesday, I rode sixteen miles visited four families 
and preached in the evening (Ossipee). 

Wednesday. I rode to Brookfield which was seven 
miles, visited three families and preached an eve- 
ning ledlor. This was in a society of Methodest. 

T'hursday. I preached at the last mentioned place, 
and visited two families. 

Friday. I rode one mile, visited one family and 
preached an evening leftor. Not much else but 
Methodism here, yet they were very attentive at 
meeting. 

Saturday I rode three miles, visited two families, and 
preached in the evening. 

Sabbathday [Jan. 15], I rode to Ossipee four miles 
and preach, after which visited three families. 

Monday. I rode five miles and preached a ledior, 
also visited two families. 
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JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR 

Tuesday. I rode to Alton twenty miles, visited seven 
families. 

Wednesday. I rode seven miles further in this town, 
visited two families and preached in the evening, 
the people are much divided in this place. 

'Thursday. I rode seven miles in a distressing snow 
storm, visited one family, and preached in the 
evening. 

Friday. I was by reason of the storm the day be- 
fore prevented from riding, but preached a ledlor 
in the evening. 

Saturday. I rode to Milton which was thirteen 
miles, and visited two families. This town was 
taken from Rochester, it is but a few years sence 
they became an incorporated town, they have 
built them a good meeting-house, and some are 
desireous for a settled minnister, but they are a 
devided people, there is no church collected and 
orgonnised in this place. 

Sabbathday [Jan. 22]. I preached three sermons. 

Monday. I visited three families, and preached in 
the evening. 

Tuesday. I rode six miles, visited two families, and 

preached in the evening. 
Wednesday. I rode five miles, visited four families, 

and preached in the evening. 

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JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR 

Thursday. I rode five miles, visited two families 
and preached in the evening. While I was in 
this town there was a great attention to meeting, 
and some seriousness appeared to follow the 
meetings. They, as well as others in other 
places, were very thankfuU to the society for 
my labour among them. 

Friday. I rode to Brookfield eight miles visited 
three families, and preached in the evening. 

Saturday^ I rode eleven miles, visited three families, 
and preached an evening ledlor. 

Sabbathday [Jan. 29], I rode to Ossipee four miles 
preached three sermons, and visited three fami- 
lies. In this town there is a small church of the 
Congregational order, they appear very thankful! 
to the missionary society for their missionaries la- 
bours among them. 

Monday. I rode three miles, visited two families, 
and preached in the evening. 

'J'uesday, I rode one mile, preached a ledor, and vis- 
ited one family. 

Wednesday^ I rode two miles, preached one led:or, 
and visited two families. 

'Thursday. I rode three miles preached once, and 
visited two families. 

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JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

Friday. I rode one mile, preached one sermon, 
and visited one family. 

Saturday. I rode to Eaten seven miles, visited two 
families and preached in the evening. 

Sahbathday [Feb. 5]. This day in consequence of 
a severe snowstorm the people did not assemble, 
consequently there was no meeting. 

Monday. In the afternoon I rode ten miles, and 
the way was very bad, by reason of the snows 
drifting into the path. This day I visited three 
families. 

"Tuesday^ I rode to Friburg four miles and attended 
a funeral with the Rev. Mr. Porter,^ of one of 
the four first that came to this town who was 
well but about ten minutes before he was no 
more. And this evening preached in the house 
of morning. 

Wednesday^ after takeing leave of the distressed 
morners, I rode to Chatham ten miles, and 
preached in the evening. 



(9) Nathaniel Porter, D. D., was for fifty-eight years pastor of the church 
in Conway, N. H., organized August i8, 1778, by the Rev. Mr. Fessenden, of 
Fryeburg, Me. , where Dr. Porter had many friends. He was born in Topsfield, 
Mass., January 14, 1745; died at ninety-two years, November 11, 1836. He 
was a graduate of Harvard College, in 1768. He "endured great privations, 
worked hard by day, and wrote his sermons by the light of pitch-wood at night." 
He was dismissed for preaching a Federalist sermon one Fourth of July. ( Com- 
memorati-ve Discourse, Nathaniel Bouton, Concord, 1859). 

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JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR 

Thursday. I rode seven miles, visited one family 
and preached in the evening. 

Friday. I rode four miles visited two families and 
preached in the evening. 

Saturday. I visited one school and three families, 
also preached a ledor in the evening. In this 
town are about thirty families but are very much 
divide in sentiment. 

Sabbathday [Feb. 12], I rode four miles, preached 
three sermons and visited one family. 

Monday^ I rode seven miles, visited one family, and 
preached in the evening. 

'Tuesday^ rode back to Friburg, and visited two fam- 
ilies, also preached in the afternoon. After this 
I rode three miles, visited a family where there 
was sickness, and preached in the evening, at 
this place the people were very attentive to 
preaching. 

Wednesday. I rode five miles, visited three fami- 
lies, and preached in the afternoon. After which, 
rode four miles. 

Thursday. I rode to Eaten eleven miles, visited 
two families, and preached in the evening. 

Friday. I rode to Sandage nineteen miles, visited 
two families, and preached in the evening. This 
people are very much divided. 

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JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

Saturday. I rode in the rain ten miles and visited 
three families. 

Sabbathday [Feb. 19]. I preached tow sermons, 
and visited one family. 

Monday. I rode two miles, preached one sermon, 
and visited two families. 

'Tuesday. I visited two families, and preached in 
the evening. 

Wednesday. I rode nine miles and visited two fam- 
ilies, But was prevented from preaching by pub- 
lick bisness being in the place where I deseigned 
the meeting. 

'Thursday and Friday, I rode to Hollis which was 
seventy miles. This compleats twentysix weeks 
mission. 



TOTAL 

In thirty eight towns, I preached one hundred 
and sixty eight sermons, Visited three hundred and 
twentysix families, visited one school, and attended 
one conference, and rod on my mission Nine hun- 
dered ninety four miles. In the above narrative, I 

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JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR 

have stated the simple truth, with regard to some 
of my publick labours on my mission ; It would 
exhaust my patience to write, and yours to read, all 
my publick labours, through the seen which I have 
passed. My mission, I would just observe, has 
been very pleasing on the whole, for nothing is bet- 
ter calculated to inliven the fealling of the truly be- 
nevolent soul, not only toward God, for his distin- 
guished goodness toward the pious ; but also for 
his restraining grace to the world that lieth in 
wickedness. And, nothing can so clearly demon- 
strate this truth as being among mankind, and being 
made acquainted with their situation. 

Could you my friend, (the society) become fully 
acquainted with the feallings of many of the hope- 
fully pious in the new settlements and see and heare 
them, express their thankfuUness for missionary la- 
bours ; realizing at the same time their dependence 
on God, to make these labours affectual to their 
salvation ; and a means to bring sinners to repent- 
ance, and secure them in Christ. You would not 
give grudging, nor think that you spent your 
strenght for nought. 

The people in general have been very attentive 
to meeting, not only to go to meeting, but also to 
attend when they were there. But a very little dis- 
order, has taken place on my whole Mission. Now 

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JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 

and then, among the Methodests/° an outbrakeing 
in their periodical growns and Amens^ and this they 
would call the hight of regularity, and, but now 
and then one would have the ill manners, and bad 
breeding, to appear light and trifling when at meet- 
ing. But there were a general seriousness on the 
minds, and people did not only here attentively, but 
many appeared to feal sensibly the things that were 
delivered from time to time. And in this way, 
under God, if means fail not, the wilderness I doubt 
not will become a fruitfuU field, not only in a natu- 
ral sence, but also a spiritual sence, and when the 
solitary places thereof shall brake forth into singing, 
and also the desert feal the joys of heaven. 

I have been perticularly requested to return to 
the society the greatfull thanks, not only of people 
in common but also of many of the first characters 
in the country, for my labours among them ; and 
at the same time, wishing and praying for the con- 
tinuation of your thotfulness for them, and that in 
this way the blessings of thousands ready to perish 
may come on you. 



(lo) The members of this Church have been so often mentioned here, that 
their exact numerical insignificance is surprising. Dr. Dwight (/. c. ) gives a cen- 
sus of the congregations in New Hampshire, in 1810, as follows : Presbyterian 
or Congregational, 117; Presbyterian proper, 9; Episcopal, 3; Baptist, 22; 
Methodist, i; Universalist, I; Friends, 6; Sandemanian, I. In Vermont with 
its population of 217,913, there were "at least" 85 Congregational or Presby- 
terian ministers, and but one Methodist clergyman. 

[35] 



INDEX 



Alden, Dr. Ebenezer, 4. 
Alton, N. H., 25. 

Bartlett, N. H., 6, 8. 
Bath, N. H., 17. 
Bethlehem, N. H., 6, 7, 20. 
Bloomfield, Vt. (formerly Minehead), 

14, 15- 
Brookfield, N. H., 24, 26. 
Brunswick, Vt., 13, 14. 
Burge, Rev. Caleb, 9, 13. 

Canaan, Vt., 14, 15, 16. 
Canada, 14, 17. 
Center Harbor, N. H., 22. 
Chatham, N. H., 27. 
Cockburn, — see Columbia, N. H. 
Colebrook, N. H., 14, 15, 17. 
Columbia, N. H., 14, 15, 18. 
Concord, Vt., 7, 10. 
Conway, N. H., 27. 

Dalton, N. H., 8, 9, II. 

Eaton, N. H., 5, 27, 28. 
Errol, N. H., 15. 
Exeter, N. H., 3, 4. 

Fessenden, Rev. Mr., 27. 
Franconia, N. H., 7. 
Fryeburg, Me., 27, 28. 

Grafton County, N. H., 6. 
Granby, Vt., 11. 
Guildhall, Vt., 9, 13. 

Hampton, N. H., 3. 
HoUis, N. H., 4, 5, 29. 
Hopkinton, N. H., 3. 

Jefferson, N. H., 8, 12. 



Lemington, Vt., 14, 15, 18. 
Littleton, N. H., 7, 10, 11, 20. 
Lyman, N. H., 9, 10, 11. 

Maidstone, Vt. , 13. 

Massachusetts Missionary Society, 5. 

Meredith, N. H., 22. 

Merrimack River, 22. 

Milton, N. H., 25. 

Minehead, — see Bloomfield, Vt. 

New Hampshire, Methodism in, 31. 
Northumberland, N. H., 13, 19, 20. 

Ossipee, N. H., 24, 26. 

Peeling, N. H., 21. 
Poor, Gen. Enoch, 4. 
Porter, Rev. Mr., 27. 

Rochester, N. H., 25. 

Sandage (?), N. H., 28. 
Sandwich, N. H., 4. 
Strafford County, N. H., 5. 
Stratford, N. H., 13, 14, 18. 
Stewartstown, N. H., 14, 15. 
Strong, Rev. Jonathan, 4. 
Sullivan, Gen. John, 4. 
Sutherland, Rev. David, 17. 

Tamworth, N. H., 8. 
Topsfield, Mass., 27. 
Tuftonboro, N. H., 22, 23. 

Vermont, Methodism in, 31. 

Washington, Sullivan County, 9. 
Whitefield, N. H., 6. 
White Mountains, 6, 15. 
Winnipisaukee Lake, 22. 
Wolfboro, N. H., 23, 24. 



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m\i ^ ibu; 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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